Teen Drug Use | Page 3 - Troubled Teens

Troubled Teens - Teen Drug Use

Teen Drug Use

Helpful Tips on How to Deal With Teenage Drug Abuse

Teenage drug abuse is a growing concern in the country. According to the latest statistics from CDC, 30% of 10th graders have used marijuana before. More than two-thirds of all 10th graders surveyed say that they can easily gain access to it. In 2010, 3% of 12th graders have already used cocaine, 8% have used Vicodin (a type of opiate), 5% have used designer drug Ecstasy, and 1.5% have used steroids.

It's during their children's adolescent years when parents are faced with difficults facts. According to studies, the average age that young boys start drinking alcohol is 11. Young girls typically start at 13. Parents know what can happen when teens start drinking; they've been there too.
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What to do if you've caught your Teen using Drugs or Alcohol?

One of the most serious problem in teens nowadays is substance abuse. In 2009, CDC or Center for Disease and Control claims that for the past 30 days, 10% of students from high school were reported to have been drinking while driving and 24% of them have been binge drinking or were involved in heavy drinking. The usage of marijuana was also found to have increased among high school students from 2009 to 2010, according to NIDA or the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Substance abuse in teens can lead to a lot of serious issues because teens who are engaged in alcohol and drugs often display risky behaviors; like driving under the influence or engaging in unprotected sex. Most parents may think that catching their teens with alcohol or drug paraphernalia are the only obvious signs to know if their teens are engaged in substance abuse. They are unaware that the following normal adolescent behavior can also be warning signs of their teens using drugs or alcohol:

Poor hygiene and unexplained weight loss
Being secretive and dishonest
Has mood swings or mostly depressed
Has short term memory loss or often has red eyes
Skipping classes in school or running away from home
Hangs around with friends who already has a bad reputation or has friends you barely know
Receiving doubtful text messages or suspicious phone calls
Has been in trouble with the authorities or in school
Is always defensive, angry or irritable

Sometimes these warning signs may be ignored by parents and as a result, missing out on recognizing substance abuse in your teens can lead to serious financial, legal and health issues. So what do you do if have a bad feeling or if you’re sure that your teens are using drugs or alcohol?

Accept that your teen has been using drugs or alcohol because denying about the problem won’t solve it. Make sure to prepare yourself for an intervention and arm yourself with evidence that your teen is indeed under the influence and make sure to research about any discouraging statistic, horrific news or pictures associated with drug and alcohol usage.

Confront your teen calmly about the substance issue and pick the right time, making sure they are not under the influence and are completely sober and calm. Avoid discussing the issue while you’re angry or yelling at them, it will only create more tension leaving the problem unsolved.

You can show them the crime statistics and the discouraging news and pictures you have researched in order to make a point that drugs will get them nowhere. Explain to them that even if they won’t care about it now, by the time they do, it will be too late for them to have their good life back.

Personal stories you can share with your teen will be much more encouraging compared to any statistic. Do not hesitate to share your own experience or those whom you know about why it was a thoughtless choice to be using drugs or alcohol in the past.

Talk openly to them about why it was a need for them to use drugs or alcohol and listen well to their side of the story. Sometimes the reasons may surprise us or make us be aware of what issues our teens are going through. Teens may blame it on peer pressure, others might do the act to help them relax or as an escape to any problems they’re facing. While some do it because they thought it makes them “cool”.

Tell them straight away that you disapprove of their drug and alcohol usage and you’re making sure to help them stop using. Remind your teens that drugs are illegal and the possibility of them ending up in substance abuse programs will have to be considered if they continue to use drugs or alcohol, whether they like it or not.

The problem won’t get solved in just a single day, so don’t give up until your teen is entirely drug and alcohol free. Seize the opportunity if your teen themselves would voluntarily want help. Ask help from a qualified teen substance abuse counselor or consider any substance abuse program for guidance and proper intervention.

I've Caught My Teenager Smoking Marijuana, Now What?

Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa) is the most frequently used drug in the United States. In a 2010 study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana use among 8th to 12th graders is now ahead of cigarette smoking, which has been steadily declining in the past few years. It's also ahead of over-the-counter medication by a wide margin.
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